Chronic illness caregiving can be overwhelming
You love your loved one and are doing everything you can to help. But one thing remains hard to accept…
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
One in five U.S. adults are caregivers for family members or friends with chronic health conditions. That’s over 53 million people who care for someone else with a chronic condition while trying to live their own lives.
The good news is?
Respite care services are here to provide the break you need. When you know how to shop for these services, you can improve care and maintain your own health at the same time.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- What Sets Respite Care Apart From Regular Caregiving Help
- Why Chronic Illness Caregivers Need Respite Services More Than Others
- Types of Respite Care Services To Consider
What Sets Respite Care Apart From Regular Caregiving Help
Respite care isn’t babysitting for adults.
It’s temporary specialized care just for people with chronic illness, disabilities, or age-related conditions. Professional respite care is the relief you need to know your loved one is in good hands.
What’s special about respite care?
- They are familiar with medical conditions and medications
- Their training includes how to handle emergencies common in chronic conditions
- Services are tailored to your loved one’s schedule and preferences
- You gain peace of mind, not just free time
The difference between respite care and regular help is significant. A regular helper may not know how to respond to diabetes complications or know the warning signs of a seizure for example.
Respite caregivers will.
Why Chronic Illness Caregivers Need Respite Services More Than Others
Let’s be real…
Caregiving for someone with a chronic condition is hard.
It’s long. It’s unpredictable. It’s exhausting. And it often never ends.
You may find you need to monitor your loved one 24/7. Symptoms can flare up unexpectedly. Medical appointments will constantly be piling up. And you’ll be worried about making a mistake.
Sound familiar?
It’s exactly why respite care in Memphis and elsewhere have become so vital. When you’re the primary caregiver for someone with a chronic condition, you need support that specializes in the care of that condition.
The physical impact can be harsh.
Caregivers of people with chronic conditions are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and physical health conditions themselves. Seventy percent of dementia caregivers report that coordinating care is a stressor.
But what most people don’t realize…
Breaks through respite care actually make you a better caregiver. Rested and refreshed, you have more patience, better decision-making ability, and more energy to keep going.
Types of Respite Care Services To Consider
Respite care isn’t one size fits all.
The most effective programs provide a variety of options to care for each caregiving situation.
In-Home Respite Care
This is often the most comfortable option for the person in need of care.
A professional caregiver comes to the home and provides assistance. They can manage medications, help with personal care, and provide oversight for any medical issues that come up.
Ideal when:
- Your loved one is uncomfortable or confused in new environments
- Medical routines are complex and hard to manage in new settings
- You only need a few hours of help
Adult Day Programs
Adult day care centers offer structure and supervision during daytime hours.
They provide social interaction, mental stimulation, and professional care while the caregiver is at work or running errands.
Overnight and Extended Care
Sometimes you need an extended break.
Whether it’s an emergency with the family, or a much-needed vacation, overnight respite can provide some extra time.
How To Shop For Quality Respite Care Services
This is where many caregivers get stuck…
They know they need help but don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are ways to strategically locate these services.
Start with Local Resources
Your local Area Agency on Aging is your first stop. These agencies have lists of respite providers in your area and can help you identify appropriate services.
State Lifespan Respite programs are another resource that can provide guidance, sometimes with vouchers or vouchers to assist with cost.
Evaluate Respite Providers
Not all respite care is created equal.
Ask these questions when you’re vetting a provider:
- What training do your caregivers receive for managing chronic illnesses?
- How do you handle a medical emergency?
- Can you accommodate dietary needs or specific medication regimens?
Red flags:
- Reluctance to give you references
- No defined emergency plan
- Caregivers that seem unfamiliar with your loved one’s condition
Involve Your Loved One When Possible
The best respite care program will work with your loved one’s personality and needs.
Some people respond well to energetic, social caregivers. Others need low-key, gentle people.
Involve your loved one in the process when possible. Caregivers who are familiar with your precious one’s specific needs and preferences will result in less stress for everyone.
Making Respite Care Work For Your Situation
Listen…
The thing most respite care guides don’t tell you…
The most difficult part is often not finding respite care but actually using it regularly.
Caregivers feel guilty about taking breaks. Others worry constantly when they’re away. Some find it difficult to afford or arrange the logistics of respite care.
These are valid concerns, but they shouldn’t stop you.
Take It Slow
You don’t need to dive right into overnight stays or week-long vacations.
Begin with a couple hours while you run errands or meet a friend for coffee. This allows everyone to get comfortable with the idea.
Provide Detailed Instructions
The more information you give a respite caregiver the easier things will be.
Document medicine schedules, important emergency contacts, and behaviors to help the caregiver provide the best care possible.
Address Cost Head On
Cost should not be a barrier to receiving respite services.
Explore insurance options, government programs, and sliding scale options.
Remember: the expense of respite care is typically less than the expense of caregiver burnout in the long run, both monetarily and emotionally.
Addressing Obstacles To Respite Care
Look, it’s real…
Even when you know respite care could help, actually making it happen is often difficult.
“My loved one won’t accept help from strangers.”
This is incredibly common in conditions that affect pride or cognitive ability. Framing it as helping the caregiver can be more effective sometimes than focusing on the other person.
“I can’t afford to use respite care on a regular basis.”
Be creative. Some families barter respite services with other families in similar situations. Others team up with other family members to share the cost.
What To Do Today
Look, here’s the deal.
Knowing about respite care won’t help unless you actually take action to find it.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Call your Area Agency on Aging by the end of the week
- Start researching respite service providers in your area
- Have an honest conversation with your loved one about your needs
The sooner you begin establishing respite care routines, the better you’ll be prepared to face the caregiving role.
One last thing…
Remember, taking care of yourself is not a selfish act. It’s necessary for you to be the best caregiver for your loved one.
Wrapping Up
Shopping for respite care services doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task when you have a plan. By knowing your options, thoroughly vetting providers, and planning for obstacles in advance, you can set yourself up for respite care success.
Most importantly, remember that using respite care is not only beneficial for you but also for your loved one. You’re better able to provide them with care when you’re rested and supported.
Don’t wait until you reach the point of burnout to find help. Your loved one needs you to be sustainable in your caregiving role, and respite care is one of the ways to make that possible.